The main objectives of the amendments are to address two persistent structural constraints on the South African economy: the high levels of economic concentration in the economy and the skewed ownership profile of the economy.

This is done through:

Strengthening the provisions of the Competition Act relating to prohibited practices, especially abuse of dominance, price discrimination and mergers;

Requiring special attention to be given to the impact of anti-competitive conduct on small businesses and firms owned by historically disadvantaged persons;

Strengthening the provisions relating to market inquiries so that:(a) the outcomes of these inquiries result in action that promotes competition; (b) there is guidance on how to evaluate the adverse features of a market; and, (c) requiring special attention upon small businesses and firms owned by historically disadvantaged persons;

Providing the Executive with effective means of participating in competition related proceedings and the power to initiate market inquiries into a sector; and

Promoting the administrative efficacy of the Competition Commission, market inquiries and the Competition Tribunal.